Former world darts finalist Phil Nixon has lost his battle with cancer today at the age of 57.

Nixon was diagnosed with the disease last month, with a statement on the British Darts Organisation's official website confirming this afternoon that the popular player had passed away.

The statement read: "R.I.P Phill Nixon a true gentleman of our sport has sadly lost his battle against the big C. The Ferryhill Flyer as he was known to his friends took his illness in the same way that he did his darts he fought till the very end.

"The BDO sends its sincere condolences to his wife Suzanne and his family. This will be a very hard time for you all but your darting friends will be there to see you through you are one Brave Lady.

"No more pain and suffering as you join the big darts team in the sky you will have many friends up there waiting to put you in their team. Good Night God Bless you will always be remembered."

Nixon enjoyed a fairytale run to the Lakeside final in 2007 despite being a 150-1 outsider, coming from 6-0 down against Martin Adams before eventually being edged out in a 7-6 thriller.